Ornamental ring for disk wheels



Dec. 14, 1937. G. A. LYON ORNAMENTAL RING FOR DISK WHEELS Filed Sept. 20, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet I Dec. 14, 1937. G. A. LYON ORNAMENTAL RING FOR DISK WHEELS Filed Sept. 20, 1934. 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 l lldl fillllllll PE :71 v Gearye Q/er/ @012.

Dec. 14, 1937.

G. A. LYON 2,102,470

ORNAMENTAL RING FORDISK WHEELS Filed Sept. 20, 1934 4 Shets-Sheet s FearyeJZJeIa fyaz. 0' .9

Dec. 14, 1937. LYON 'ORNAMENTAL-RING FOR DISK WHEELS FiledSept 20, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Dec. 14, 1937 2,102,470, I ORNAMENTAL RING FOR DISK WHEELS I I George Albert Lyon, Detroit, Mich.-

Application September, 1934, Serial ltd-144,158

rclaims (cl. 41-10 This invention relates to-improvements in ornamental rings for disk wheels, and more particularly to ornamental rings or bands for application to the external surface of disk wheels for vehicles, not only for decorative purposes, but also having the'utility of covering and protect ing interstices, cracks or gaps between the relative parts of the wheel, although the invention may have many other applications and purposes 1 and will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

I The disk wheel art istaking a definite trend towards the use of an outer, more or less decorative shell made to simulate spokes or not, but

- inmost instances, designed to cover an inner sup- V porting plate, which inner plateactually carries the major portion of the loadon. the wheel. In some instancea the outer shell is centrally apertured to embrace the spindle of the wheel and accommodate a hub cap, while inother instances this outershell is designed to cover the entire external surface inside the outer rim flange and totally conceal the spindle without the aid of erg hub cap construction. The outer shell is al either permanently or removably attached to the wheel rim, If permanently attached, there is a crack or gap at the point of jointure int-owhich dust and dirt or mud is inclined to gather and render the wheel unsightly in appearance, as well as cause deterioration of the parts of the wheel 3" thereadjacent. When the outer shell is 'removably attached to the rim, the crack or gap might not be quite so apparent" nor quite so susceptible to the accumulationof mud and dirt therein, but there will be an apparent point of 'jointure which can be improved in appearance by the applica-'- tion of the present invention, and the invention might also be applied to a desirable part of the external surface of such a shell to generally improve the appearance of the composite whole.

Accordingly, it is .an object 'ofthis invention toprovide an ornamental ring or band for attachment to the external surface of a vehicle wheel so as to overlie the point of jointure between the wheel shell and the wheel rim.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a ring or band for attachmentto the outer surface of a member, both the ring and member each having means associated therewith engageable with the means of the other element for holding the parts together, the initial and original shape of the ring or band being variable dur-' ing application to insure and enhance such engagement.

. As evidence of the foregoing objects of the in- 55 vention, the present invention is not strictly limwith the teeth.

' tion can be made either in theform of an end- Another object of-the invention is the ited to application to a when disk, but the decorative band might be attached to various elements of various shapes as will be apparent to one skilled'in the art, and it is also an obiectjof this invention to provide such a decorative ring or 5 band, having an undertumed concealed engaging portion, said portion being engageable with suitable means associated with the element to which the ring is attached, the ring or band being variable as to its initial shape to insure such engagement.

Still another object of this invention is the provision of a decorative band attachable to the outer surface of another element, the band hava in'g underturned means for engagement with spaced means associated with the surface of the e ement, the band'beingflrst placed in position with a slight engagement betweenthe parts. and then the band is pressed into position, distorting the initial shape of the band and insuring tight engagement.

Also an object of this invention is the provision'of a decorative ring or band having an underturned flange disposed at an angle to the outer portion of theband,by meansof which flange the band may be placed against an outer surface of an element having teeth projecting from the surface, with the underturned portions in light engagement beneath the projecting teeth, and

then the band may be forced inwardly .to, vary the angle between the outer portion and the underturned flange and enhance the engagement It is to be understood that the present invenless, continuous bandor'ring, or in the form of a split ring, and it is an obiect of the invention to provide a decorative'band of the character hereinafter described either in the form of a continuous band or a split ring.

. P sion of a decorative band for attachment to a wheel disk, the band being in the form oia split ring and having an underturned portion enmeable with spaced means associated with the wheel disk, the spaced means on th wheel disk being out of alignment with the circumference of a true "circle so that the band whendistorted for en-- gagement thereupon will be in'the form of a true circle.

l so It is a further object of the invention to provide a decorative band in the form of a split ring having overlapped ends' for attachment to a' wheel disk and with spaced meansthereon for engagement with a portion of they hand, the overlapped ends being so formed that when the band is distorted slightly out of li nment with the true circle, the formed ends will concealthe fact and give the band the appearance of a true circle.

Another object of the inventionis the provision 01' a decorative band for t to a wheel disk, having spaced undertumed teeth engageable through spaced apertures in the wheel disk toholdthebandinpositionth It is also an object of this invention to provide a decorative band in the form of a resilient split ring havingmeans e meable with means on the surface to which the band is to be attached, the

inherent resiliency of the band maintaining it in.

lo placeuponthesin-iace.

Still another; object of the invention -is the provisional new and novel 'means for attaching awheeldisktoawheelrimthediskbeingpro- I vided with a decorative band or not,as deemed so most dedrable.

-While some oi'the more salient features, characterlstics and advantages of the present invention have been above pointed out, others will apparent from the following disclosures.

25 The invention includes these and other features oi construction and combinations of parts hereinafter described and shown in a preferred form in the drawings. as more particularly indicated by the claims.

so On the drawings:

FigurelisasideelevationalviewofadiskshcwninFigurel.

4s FlgureblsanenlargedfragmentarysideelevationalviewofthestrhctureshcwninFigureL,

illmtrating a slightly different 10111101 the band.

Figure 6 is a side elevatlonal view ofa comstructure including the disk-wheel and go ornamental band, the principles of -thepresentinventicn. a Figure 7 is an enlarged fragmentary-vertical llgureeisagreaterenlu'gedviewoiapartol thestructureofFigure'l. I

u l 'igurelilsaviewsimilartol'igiireioprior totheattschmentoi'theband.

vicwofthe'rearportionofthe bsnd'shcwnin Figure 10 adjacent the overlapped ends voi. the band.

Figure is'an enlarged vertical sectional view similar to Figure 13, but showing the band attached in a diflerent location. 4 5

Figure 16 is an enlarged fragmentary rear elevational view of a still diiierent form of band.

Figure 17 is a fragmentary side elevational view. of a combination structure including a diskwheel and a, portion of a bandoi' the character 10 shown in Figure 16 attached thereon.

, Figure 18 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken. substantially as indicated by the line XVIII+XVIII of Figure 1'7.

As shown on the drawings:

In one illustrated embodiment of this invention, and with reference to Figures 1 to 5, inclusive; there is shown a vehicle wheel made up on an inner supporting plate iiFlgures 3 and 4)-' having an inwardly turned circumferential flange to 20 which a tire rim, 2 is secured by means of spaced rivets 3. An .outer plate or decorative shell 4 also having a circumferential flange is also held in position by means of the rivets 3, the flange I being disposedbetween the inner plate I and the tire rim 2. With this arrangement, the inner plate I carries the major portion of the load upon the wheel, while the outer shell I. aids in stiiiening the construction, as well as rendering the completed wheel pleasing in appearance.

"Ihe outer shell 1 may, if so desired, be pro-- vided with suitable apertures i so that the shell 7 simulates a spoked wheel, and the inner shell I is provided with suitable apertures behind the A pertures I, the shell 4 being formed with the metal projecting through the apertures in ,the inner shell and then being folded therearound, as indicated at 1 (Figures 3 and 4) to rigidly and securely unite the relativeparts. The outer shell 4 has an open central portion I, normally closed 49 by a hub cap, (not shown on the drawings), in the usual manner, and adjacent this aperture the inner plate i is formed into a flange-like portion 9 provided with suitable bolt holes II for securing the wheel to a spare wheel supporting bracket, as is seen in Figure 7, or to the'supporting member on the axle of a vehicle as is well understood in As seen more clearly in Figures 3 and 4,.there will be a gap or crack ll between the shell I and 50 the tire rim 2, and this gap, if left unprotected, wouldtendtcilllwithmudanddirtthus rendering the wheel unsightly in appearance as well as causing some decomposition of the metal adjacent the gap. flhereiore, the present in- Vention provides an ornamental ring or band I! for coveringthis gap ll. As seen in Figures 1 to 4, inclusive, this ornamental bandls in the 'form of a continuous endless ring and comprises an outer, preferably transversely arcuate portion on which the upper edge-ls rolled inwardly, asindicated at It, to prevent marring of the adjacent structure. Oppos'itethe turned edge ",the 4 band is-provided with an underturn'ed flange or portion ll having a backwardly bent edgeiii to or prevent marring of the surface oithe shell I.

- -'I'his imderturned portion is normally concealed bythe cuter portionottheband i! to enhance the appearance of the resultant wheel structure.

The band I! is held in position upon the wheel inthisimtancebymeanscispacedlugs "struck outwardlyfrpmtheshelldadjacentthegapor crack ii. These lugs. are preferably located along the circumference of an imaginary circle of such diameter-that the outwardly projecting ends I I tion. This shell 21 is preferably made of a single I of the lugs are located in an imaginary circle of slightly greater diameter than the bent marginal portion I! of the band prior to the application of the band.

As indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 4, the anglebetween the outer portion of the band and the underturned portion i4 is greater prior to the application of the band to the wheel than afterwards. In completing the composite structure, the band in the form shown by the dotted lines is placed against the side surface of the wheel,- and the resiliency of the band pere 'mits the bent marginal portion ii on the underturned part I to pass behind the projecting ends of the lugs It. By any suitable mechanism, the

band is then pressed against the wheel, thereby distorting the band from its initial shape by making the angle between the outer portion of the band and the underturned portion I more acute. when the band is so bent, the underturned portion .ll will be forced outwardly beneath the lugs l8, thereby insuring positive engagement.- The upper. turned edge l3 of the band will-rest against the rim 2, the 10 r portion of the band resting against the shell and the gap or crack H is completely covere andprotected in a highlydecorative manner.

As indicated in Figure 5, a split ring form of band |2a may be utilized if so desired. This band is identical in construction with the band Except that it is split transversely with the ends abutting, as indicated at H, when the band is applied to the wheel. These ends may be held in abutting relationship by means of the inherent resiliency of the band|2a or, if so desired,

the ends may be butt welded in a well-known manner.

pf course, if so desired, the lugs i6 may be struck from the outer shell at any desirable point and the band 12 or, |2a placed upon the i.

shell at the same point, it not being necessary to overlie the gap H with the band. As more fully explained later herein and as illustrated in Figures 7 and 15 of the drawings, decorative bands may be placed in other regions for decorative purposes.

In Figures 6 to 9, inclusive, I have illustrated a new form of wheel construction embodying principles of the present invention. In this instance, an inner main supporting plate I8, provided with acircumferential flange, is secured in any desired manner to a tire rim l9 adapted to support a tubeiand tireunit 2cm the usual manner, with" the valve-stem 2| projecting through a suitable aperture in the rim. The central portion of the plate It is provided with a plurality of indentations 22 atthe base of each of which a suitable aperture is provided for the accommodation of a bolt 23, by means of which the entire wheel structure. may be attached to a spare wheel supporting bracket 2|, as illustrated, or to the usual wheel supporting element upon the axle :of a

vehicle. A central aperture 25 in the plate l8 piece of metal and has the outer marginal por-. tion thereof reversely folded to provide a 011'- cumferential flange 23 which lies against the portion of the rim l9 when the shell is in position upon the wheel. A circumferential flange 29 extends inwardly from the reversely bent marginal portion and this flanged part 29 is supported and stiffened by a circumferential reenforcing element 30.

The shell 21 is removably held in position by means of a substantially triangular-shaped head 3| upon a leaf spring 32, secured in any suitable manner, such as by rivets 33, to the inner surface of the supporting member 30. As indicated at 34, the supporting element 30 and the flange 23 are apertured to accommodate the head 3| and the spring 32, the head 3| projecting through the aperture and beyond the flanged portion 23 for engagement with the undersurface of the tire riml9. The rim I9 is preferably provided with.

spaced pairs of lugs |9a just within the shoulder -means 26, each head 3| on a spring 32 seating between the lugs of a pair to prevent relative rotation between the shell 21 and the rim.

' As .seen more clearly in Figures '7 and 8, the entire shell-21 may be mounted upon the rim by merely pressing the shell into place, the pressing action causing the heads 3| upon the springs 32 to be moved inwardly until they have cleared the annular bead 26 on the rim, whereupon they will snapoutwardly, engaging behind the bead, and hold the shell in position. To remove the shell, it is a simple expedient to insert a screw driver or some similar instrument behind the bead 2801 the shell and pry against the rim l3 to force the shell off the rim, the sloping walls of the heads 3| permitting in and out movement of the shell.

As seen best in Figures 6 and '7, lugs 35 may be struck at spaced points from the material of 'the shell so as to extend outwardly and a decorative band l2'mounted in position in engagement with these lugs in the manner previously described in connection with Figures 1 to 4, inclusive. 0f-

course, the band He mentioned in connection with Figure 5 hereinabove might equally as well be applied to the surface of the shell 21.-

m Figures 10 to 14, inclusive, I have shown a composite wheel structure utilizing a different form of decorative ring or band. In this instance, the wheel construction, of the character shownin Figures lto dginclusive, asillustrated, includes the inner supporting plate I, the outer shell l with the inwardly turned circumferential flange 5, both secured to a wheel rim 2 by means of spaced rivets 3, the shell 4. being constructed to simulate spokes and secured to the plate I by a bent over portion 1, all in the manner previously described. The shell I has a central aperture 8' therein leaving exposed a flange-like portion '3 in the plate I provided with bolt holes for mounting the wheel upon a wheel axle member or upon a bracket for spare wheels, as the case may be. The shell 4 is also provided with a plurality of outwardly struck lugs l6 adjacent the crack or gap l| between the shell and the rim 2'.

However, in thlsinstance, a decorative band 30 in the form of a split ring with overlapped ends, indicated at 31, is mounted in position over the lugs I3. This band I. is preferably self-expansible and due to its inherent resiliency, tends to expand outwardly with sufficient force to he] the band in position upon the wheel.

' The band I! provided with an underturned'ls o lapping ends 31 of the 05 ll between the shell and tire rim).

above described, with portion, normally concealed bythe outer, preferably transversely arcuate portion ofthe band, and engageable beneath the lugs ii. In applying the band to the m the band retains intimate position.

vOfcoui'se,ifthilugsareaiongthe circumference of an imaginary circle, the band upon being applied to the lugs will not'be exactly regular, .and, if the ends of the band were of 5 the same size and configuration as the body portion of the band, one end wouldproject above the other. However, if the ends of the band are cut so that the outer surfaces thereof are seemingly flush with each other, the variance of the eobandfromatruecircleissuflicientlysmallas not to be noticeablewith the naked eye of the ordinary observer.

To accomplish this band 36 Purpose, one end of the has the upper portion thereof shaved as toremove the dottedline portion II, as seen in Figure 14. The removed portion a is that portion which would n project above the other ormally end of the bandif the ends of the band were 'of the same size and contour as the-body portion The opposite end of the band 3' has the lower portion thereof cut away along a side, (Figure 14) and from this point the underturned portion 38 is substantially removed to the end of the band.

30 thereof.

35 However, a slightly turned portion ll of the underturned portion 3. is left upon the band so that there will be an engagement between thisv portion and the underturned portion 38 of .the

opposite end of the band; Of course, the opposite a end of the band will not turned portion 4| but will project thereabove, but, in view of the shaving of the upper portion a, both ends of the band will give an external appearance of a continuous circular band with the exception of the one exposed line at the termination of the outer end. 7 2

With reference to Figure 11, it will be noted v that the lugs It are preferably not evenly paced, but that two lugs are provided adjacent the overband in relatively close relationship. 'Ihese lugs will then just support the band close to the overlapping ends and on each side of the overlap. g T

Ifsodesired,thelugs limay estrucki'romthe 55 shell 4 at suilicientvariance from the circumference of a circle so that when the band It is ap-' plied to the lugs it will very closely follow a true circle. Such a disposition of the lugs-cannot be feasibly illustrated without undue exaggeration.

60 In Figure 15, I have illustrated a wheel construction substantially. identical withthat shown in Figures 10 to 14, inclusive. with the exception that the lugs .l'lare struck outwardly fromzthe shell-4 along a line definitely spaced from the gap The band it may be-attached tothese lugs ii in the same manner as hereinabove described, this figure being for the purpose of-illustrating an applicar tion of the band for decorativelm pcses to any desired portion or the "sheik In Figures 16 to '1 8, inclusive, 1 have illustrated .a composite wheel and ornamental band construc tionpf asomewhat form. The wheel construction is substantially same as that shell 4 is provided. with spaced apertures "therewheel, the band is forcibly con g tracted by overlapping the ends thereof and cure in its engagement jmay be economically ilt flush within the the in instead of the outstanding lugs it above described. .In.this instance, a-. decorative band I! Y which. may be of thetypeshown in-Figures 1 to5, inclusive, or of the type shown in Figures 10 to 15, inclusive, 1. e., continuous or with abutting ends, or of the self-expansihle spring leaf type. is held in position by the engagement of spaced teethor lugs 46 in the apertures 42. As-

seen best in Figure 16,'the band has an underturned portion 44 and spaced lugs 45 preferably formed integral with this portion project preferably at an angle thereto for suitable engagement within the apertures 42. It is obviousthat any one of the bands'descrlbed hereinabove may be mountedin this manner ifso desired.

It is to be expressly understood that any particular form of decorative ring vor band described herein may be substituted for any of the other forms, and utilized upon. either of the wheel constructions.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that I have provided not only a novel composite wheel and decorative band construction, but also novel means for holding a covering shell upon a wheel. It will be noted that the decorative structure, whether used to overlie the gap between the outer shell and the rim of the wheel or not, is exceedingly simple in construction, very readily applied in an expeditious and easy manner, se-

when once applied, and manufactured.

I claim as in'yinvention:

1. In combination in a vehicle wheel, a front shell, an outwardly smooth surfaced tire rim onsaid shell, spaced lugs projecting from said shell adjacent the jointure between theshell and rim, and an ornamental band having underturned means disposed at an angle to the outer portion of the band and designed for engagement with said lugs, said band beingcompressible to vary the angle said underturned means to cause complete engagement between said underturned means .and said lugs, and said band being shaped to extend outwardly adjacent the rim and conceal said jointure. 4

2. In combination a vehicle wheel, and an ornamental curved band shaped to cover. the crack between the adjoining portions of saidwheel, said band I thereon along one edge thereof, concealed by'the outer portion of the is applied to the wheel leaving the opposite edge free to extend beyond said crack, and said wheel 8'. In combination, a member having a plurality between the outer portion thereof and.

having underturned means band when the band to enhance the en agement between both said means.

ofedge-like surfaces located at spaced intervals Q so as to substantially deilne the circumference of a circle, formoi' a resilient self-expanding split ring having means forengaging behind said surfaces,

said ring when so engaged, having overlapped ends and being cuts ijacent said ends in a manner \to'ipresent an external appearance substantially that of an endless ring. 4. In combination, a member having a plurality of edge-like surfaces formed thereon. and aare silient self-expanding split ring having undermeans for-engagement behind said surand an ornamental element in out of alignment with the circumference of a circle to cause said ring to assume tlie formv oi" a-circle even with the ends of the ring overlapped.

5. In combination, a vehicle 'wheei including a tirerimand inner supporting means having openings therein"akin to openings between spokes, an ornamental band for disposition over.

theside surface of the wheel adjacent the rim, and means engageable with said band and with said 'wheel in said openings to hold said band openings between spokes tudinally arcuate in form and having an underturned portion concealed byjthe 'part of the band-when the'band isin position. and retaining means for eflecting engagement with said underturned portion and with. said wheel incertau i r said opening s to hold the band on the wh s I 7. An ornamental band forattachment to the side of a vehicle wheel in the form of a split ring with overlapped ends and carrying retaining means to hold theband on "the wheel, an end portion of said band being cut out of al'ia ment with the circumference of said ring in a manner to make said band present an, external appearance substantially that of an endless ring when attached to the wheel.

GEORGE AL nn'rimron. 

